128Lights and visibility
Visibility
Heated rear window
The rear window heating clears the rear window of conden-
sation.
Fig. 96 Switch for heat-
ed rear window
– Press button
to switch the rear window heating on or off
⇒ Fig. 96.
The heated rear window only works when the ignition is switched on. An in-
dicator lamp on the button lights up when the rear window heater is switch-
ed on.
The heated rear window switches off automatically after about 10 minutes if
the outside temperature is above 0°C.
Depending on the outside temperature, the exterior mirrors are also heated
while the heated rear window is turned on. The exterior mirror heating is not activated at temperatures above approxi-
mately 20°C.
For the sake of the environment
Switch off the heated rear window as soon as the rear window has demis-
ted. By saving electrical power you can also save fuel.
Sun visors
The sun visors can improve visibility and contribute to safe-
ty.
Fig. 97 Sun visor
The sun visors 1
for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled out of
their mountings in the centre of the vehicle and turned towards the doors
⇒ Fig. 97.
The vanity mirrors in the sun visor have covers. On opening the cover 2
,
the mirror light* located in the headliner is automatically switched on. The
129
Lights and visibility
light switches itself off when the cover is closed and when the sun visor is
pushed back up.
Sun blind*
The rear side windows are fitted with sun blinds.
Fig. 98 Sun blind exten-
ded to cover rear side
window
Sun blind (rear side windows)
– Pull out the blind and hook it into the hooks at the top of the
door frame ⇒ Fig. 98. Windscreen wipers
Windscreen wipers
The windscreen wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers
and the automatic wash and wipe.
Fig. 99 Windscreen wip-
er lever
The windscreen wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 99 has the following settings:
Short wipe
– Move the lever down to position 1
to give the windscreen a
short wipe.
Intermittent wipe / Rain sensor* (activate)
– Move the lever up to position 2
.
– Move the switch A
up or down to set the wiper intervals.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
131
Lights and visibility
Note
● Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long jour-
ney. Fill the reservoir ⇒ page 241.
● Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass which can
also impair the effectiveness of the rain sensor*. Check the condition of
windscreen wiper blades at regular intervals.
Rear window wiper
The windscreen wiper lever also operates the rear window
wiper and the automatic wash and wipe.
Fig. 100 Windscreen
wiper lever
The rear window wiper and the automatic wash/wipe system are
switched on as follows: Intermittent wipe
–
Push the windscreen wiper lever forwards until it clicks into the
first position ⇒ Fig. 100 1
. The rear window wiper will wipe the
window approximately every 4 seconds.
Automatic wash/wipe
– Push the lever forwards to position 2
. The rear window wiper
will work for the time you hold the lever in this position.
– Release the lever. The rear window wiper will keep working for
approximately 4 seconds.
Deactivating the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever backwards until it returns to its original position.
The rear window wiper will start working automatically if reverse gear is en-
gaged while the windscreen wipers are switched on.
WARNING
For correct visibility and safe driving, the wiper must be in perfect condi-
tion ⇒ page 220. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the windscreen wipers/rear window wiper. The wind-
screen wiper blades and even the windscreen wiper motor could be dam-
aged if you start the windscreen wipers/rear window wiper with the blades
frozen to the glass.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
133
Lights and visibility
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 102. Indicator lamp B goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 102. Indicator lamp B turns on.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior mirror will darken au-
tomatically according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-dazzle
function is disabled if:
● the interior lighting is switched on
● reverse gear is engaged
Sensors for automatic headlights*
When the light switch is set to the AUTO position, the dipped beam head-
lights are switched on and off automatically according to the ambient light
level with the aid of the sensors located in the interior mirror ⇒ page 118.
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause irrita-
tion to the skin, eyes and respiratory organs. Wash thoroughly with clean
water should you come into contact with this fluid. Seek medical assis-
tance if needed!
CAUTION
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to plastic
surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon as possible.
Note
● The interior mirror automatic anti-dazzle function* will only work proper-
ly if the sun blind* for the rear window is retracted and if there are no other
objects preventing light from reaching the mirror.
● If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the automatic headlight or anti-
dazzle function from working correctly or even from working at all.
Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors are adjusted electrically.
Fig. 103 Detailed view of
the armrest: Adjuster
knob
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
– Turn the adjuster knob to position ⇒
Fig. 103 L
(left exterior
mirror) or position R (right exterior mirror).
– Move the knob as required to adjust the exterior mirror for a
good view behind you.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
134Lights and visibility
Retracting both exterior mirrors
–Turn the knob to position A
.
It is advisable to fold the exterior mirrors, for example when parking or when
driving through narrow spaces.
Heated mirrors
The mirrors are heated (depending on the outside temperature) when the
heated rear window ⇒ page 128 is switched on.
The exterior mirror heating is not activated at temperatures above approxi-
mately 20°C.
Memory for exterior mirrors*
In vehicles with memory function for the driver seat, the setting of the exte-
rior mirrors is automatically stored together with the seat position
⇒ page 139.
Tilting function for exterior mirror on the passenger side* (only if equipped
with memory for exterior mirrors)
When reverse gear is engaged, the mirror surface tilts slightly downwards,
provided the mirror control is switched to the exterior mirror on the passen-
ger side (knob in position R
⇒ Fig. 103). This provides a better view of the
kerb when parking.
The mirror returns to its original position as soon as reverse gear is disen-
gaged and the vehicle is driven forwards at a speed above 15 km/h, or
when the mirror control is turned to position L
or to the neutral position
0.
CAUTION
● Rear view convex or aspheric* mirrors increase the field of vision, al-
though objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. Therefore,
you should not rely on these mirrors for judging the distance of vehicles be-
hind.
● If one of the mirror housings is knocked out of position (e.g. when park-
ing), the mirrors must first be fully retracted with the electric control. Do not
readjust the mirror housing by hand, as this will interfere with the mirror ad-
juster function.
Note
If the electrical adjustment ever fails to operate, the mirrors can be adjusted
by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.
144Seats and storage compartments
Luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Loads in the luggage compartment should be safely se-
cured.
Fig. 114 Position heavy
items as far forward as
possible.
To maintain safe handling on the road, please observe the follow-
ing points:
– Distribute the load evenly.
– Position heavy items as far forward as possible ⇒ Fig. 114.
– Secure the load with a luggage net* or with non-elastic straps
secured to the fastening rings ⇒ page 145.
WARNING
● Unsecured objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly shift
and cause changes in the handling of the vehicle.
● In an accident or a sudden manoeuvre, loose objects in the passenger
compartment can be flung forward and might injure vehicle occupants.
● Always keep all objects in the luggage compartment and use appro-
priate grips to secure them, particularly in the case of heavy objects.
● When you transport heavy objects, always bear in mind that a change
of the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle handling.
● Please refer to the notes on ⇒ page 7.
CAUTION
Make sure that no hard objects chafe against the wires of the heating ele-
ment in the rear window and damage them.
Note
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load. If necessary, con-
sult the tyre pressure label on the door pillar ⇒ page 249.
159
Seats and storage compartments
● In some countries this socket is 115 volts. Therefore the socket should
have a different inverter installed at the factory. You can obtain retrofit kits
from your Technical Service. Do not connect 115 Volt appliances to the
230 Volt socket.
● The use of electrical equipment in the vicinity of the aerial in the rear
window may cause interference to the reception of stations broadcasting in
AM.
Compartments Overview
There are several storage compartments at various points in
the vehicle.
Your vehicle has the following storage compartments:
First-aid kit* Emergency triangle* Glove compartment⇒ page 159Storage compartment in the centre console On-board documentation compartment* Compartments in the door trims⇒ page 160Coat hooks⇒ page 160Side storage compartment in luggage com-
partment
Some of the compartments listed are only provided in certain models or are
optional extras. Glove compartment
The lockable glove compartment is equipped with a light.
Fig. 136 Glove compart-
ment
Opening the glove compartment
– Pull the handle on the lid in the direction indicated (arrow)
⇒ Fig. 136 and open the lid.
Closing the glove compartment
– Close the lid and push it in until it engages.
If the side lights or headlights are switched on, the light in the glove com-
partment comes on when it is opened.
The lid has separate holders for a pen and a note pad.
WARNING
For safety reasons, the glove compartment must always be closed when
the vehicle is moving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
162Air conditioning
Air conditioning
2C-Climatronic
Description
The air conditioner is designed to automatically keep the
passenger compartment at the temperature you find most
comfortable at all times of the year. Recommended settings:
– Set the temperature to 22°C (71°F).
– Press the AUTO
⇒ Fig. 139 button.
The following setting quickly provides a comfortable temperature inside the
vehicle. We therefore recommend you do not modify the setting unless you
find this temperature uncomfortable or where circumstances require as
such.
The air conditioner provides heating and ventilation and also cools and de-
humidifies the air inside the vehicle.
The air conditioner is fully automatic and will constantly maintain the tem-
perature which has been set. To achieve this, the temperature of the air sup-
plied to the interior, the blower speed (volume of air delivery) and the air
distribution are regulated automatically. The system also takes solar radia-
tion into account and, therefore, no subsequent manual readjustments are
required. Therefore, automatic mode ⇒ page 165 should be used for the
comfort of all the passengers in virtually all conditions throughout the year.
Please note the following points: The humidity of the air is automatically reduced when the system cools the
interior of the vehicle. This helps to prevent condensation on the windows.
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,
condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the air cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
If the outside temperature is low, the blower normally only switches to a
higher speed once the coolant has warmed up sufficiently (this does not ap-
ply to the defrost setting).
In order to achieve maximum engine power, the air conditioner compressor
is temporarily switched off when pulling away from standstill with full throt-
tle.
The compressor also switches off if the coolant temperature is excessively
high to ensure adequate engine cooling under extreme loads.
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and activated charcoal fil-
ter) serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust
and pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter
element must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Plan.
If the vehicle is driven in areas with a high level of air pollution and the filter
is no longer fully effective, it may be necessary to change the filter element
more frequently.